Newsworthy

Our February 2022 Person of the Moment awardees are Liz Piper, Brian Coover and Sasha!

Our Paw Squad is comprised of amazing therapy dogs and their handlers who bring joy to patients and team members. Sasha is a 131 pound Mastiff who is full of love, patience and kindness! Which came in useful when helping 10-year-old Penny receive her COVID-19 vaccine.

Here is what Penny’s mother (Kelly Baker, Manager of Marketing and Communications) had to say:

“Penny has a severe anxiety of needles and shots. 2 years ago, she tried to crawl out of my sunroof in the drive-thru flu clinic, and this year it took a few of us to hold her down at the doctor’s office in order to get her vaccinated.

“I was dreading our COVID-19 vaccine appointment because I was sure it’d be another traumatic experience. However, a coworker suggested I email Brian Coover (Sasha’s handler) and ask if he might be willing to help. Without hesitation, Brian said he would be there.

“The moment Brian and Sasha entered our exam room, Penny immediately started to relax. Penny, Sasha, Brian and Liz Piper (the wonderful nurse administering the shot) all gathered on the floor and without a tear or moment of hesitation, Penny had her first round of the COVID-19 vaccination!

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Liz, Brian and Sasha for going above and beyond to make this a positive experience!”

From all of us at Stormont Vail Health, congratulations Liz, Brian and Sasha on being awarded the February 2022 Person (and Canine!) of the Moment!​